A border guard gives education on poverty reduction to people in Sa Loong border commune in Ngọc Hồi District, the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum. — VNA/VNS Photo Khoa Chương

KON TUM — Thirteen border guards stationed in the rugged terrain of the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum have won the hearts and unwavering trust of local authorities and residents in their tireless efforts to preserve political stability in the region's border areas.

Sa Loong, a remote border commune nestled in Ngọc Hồi District, presents unique challenges for its inhabitants.

Home to a predominantly ethnic population, around 85 per cent, who still adhere to traditional farming practices and customs, the community has faced significant obstacles.

Despite these hurdles, the commitment and bravery of the 13 border guards stationed in the area have earned them the adoration and appreciation of those they serve.

Major Phạm Huy Thắng, from the Sa Loong Commune Border Guard Station, said that the unit always assigned soldiers to fellow with local people to educate them on the State’s and the Party’s policies.

Major Thắng keeps the title of Deputy Secretary of the commune Party's Committee. He continues working with local authorities to maintain security and order in the border area.

He also actively participated in training work, supporting local people to change their backward farming methods and turn to plant trees with high economic value. It helps increase their incomes and reach sustainable poverty reduction.

A Đam, who lives in Giang Lố 2 Village in Sa Loong Commune, used to be very poor.

Since being guided by border guards, Đam's family converted the inefficient cassava growing area to coffee and rubber in combination with raising chickens and pigs.

Đam is pleased to say that his current crops have higher yields and prices than cassava.

Đam also joined local authorities in forest protection and development.

He now earns over VNĐ6 million (US$250) per month.

Thanks to that, his family’s life is better than before, and his children can attend school.

“Thanks to the local authorities and especially the border guards, people have abandoned all out-of-date customs and worked hard. People's lives have been improved, and many households have built new spacious houses. I will advise others to study and follow the border forces to build a richer and stronger homeland,” said Đam.

The Kon Tum Border Guards are always loved and respected by the people and are considered an important "bridge" in giving them the Party's and the State’s guidelines, policies and laws.

Chairman of Sa Loong Commune People's Committee Nguyễn Hữu Bảng said that in addition to patrolling and protecting the national border, the soldiers always work closely with local authorities to help the people develop their economy effectively.

He said the soldiers also helped the people harvest crops, build livestock barns, take care of industrial plants, build inter-village roads, and dredge canals.

They coordinate with schools to call for dropouts to return to school, support scholarships for poor students, and visit and give gifts to families with great services to the nation.

Sa Loong Commune has achieved 17 of 19 criteria for the new rural lifestyle.

Managing more than 290km of borderline, the 13 border guards always fulfilled their assigned tasks well, combined with the commune authorities to build solid security, making great contributions to Kon Tum Province's development and wealth, said Bảng. — VNS